Arizona Coyotes conclude five-game homestand vs. New York Rangers

Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett looks on during the third period of the NHL game against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale on Friday, December 23, 2016.(Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports)

“Last couple games I think there’s been positives, but there’s some areas that we have to continue to work on to clean up,” coach Dave Tippett said. “We talked about when we’re pushing to try to score goals, there’s a margin for error that gets very slim for you when it’s not going in the net for you. But that’s not an excuse for not winning. We gave up a shorthanded goal and power play goal last game. Those are things we can take out of our game. Try to accentuate some of the positives, make sure we’re pushing hard to find ways to get pucks at the net and see if we can scratch out a couple points.”

Arizona is averaging 1.6 goals-per-game during its five-game losing streak and has had 81 shots blocked or miss the net in its past two games.

"You start simplifying," winger Jamie McGinn said. "Put pucks to the net and you train yourself to drive the net, have your stick down. Good things are eventually going to happen. We're just in a rut right now. We gotta keep working and just continue to do those small things right. We'll get out of it."

“There’s been positive signs of getting chances,” Tippett said. “Finally one goes in the net for him. The way he scored was a hard goal around the front of the net. I’d like to see him score some pretty goals, but some hard ones are fine, too.”

Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) and defenseman Anthony DeAngelo (77) tangle with Stars' Curtis McKenzie (11) after a play in front of the net during the second period, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Ralph Freso/AP

Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) is restrained by linesman Darren Gibbs as he tries to go after Stars' Radek Faksa (12) after a play in front of the net during the second period, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Ralph Freso/AP

Coyotes goalie Mike Smith (41) and defenseman Anthony DeAngelo (77) tangle with Stars' Curtis McKenzie (11) after a play in front of the net during the second period, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. Ralph Freso/AP